EMU administrators reach out to students via House Calls Program

YPSILANTI – It’s not everyday that the president of Eastern Michigan University knocks on your residence hall door and asks if you have any questions. But that is exactly what EMU Interim President Craig Willis and 49 other faculty and administrators will do Sept. 22 as part of the House Calls Program.

“Adjusting to the college environment can be difficult and we want to do everything we can to help make this transition as easy as possible. Programs such as House Calls let students see that we really are here for them,” said EMU Interim President Craig Willis.

Faculty andadministrators will knock on the doors of about 1,600 first-year students to welcome them and ease their transition to campus.

“We want to reach out to first-year freshmen and let them know that the University cares about them and wants them to know about and connect with on-campus resources,” said Matt Calfin, EMU assistant director of housing, and initiator of the program at EMU, now in its third year.

“One year, the program helped keep a student in school who was considering dropping out after only a few weeks. He was nervous and had some general concerns, so we told him about available counseling services,” said Calfin. “Students ask a variety of questions – from how to get financial aid to the date of the next football game.”

Pairs of EMU volunteers will visit students from 6 – 8:30 p.m. in their residence halls. The administrators introduce themselves, ask how things are going, inquire as to whether they can help the students with anything and tell them about the many resources available on campus. The volunteers will visit Best, Wise, Walton, Putnam, Phelps and Sellers residence halls.

“The program enhances how students feel about the University and gives us a better understanding of the customer (students), which is important to all of us. It’s also fun to connect with younger people,” said Steve Holda, assistant to the vice president in business and finance, and a third-time participant.

For more information, contact EMU housing and dining services, 734.487.1303.

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